Dear John,

The Left is known for its bullying tactics to silence and intimidate those who embrace a biblical worldview. For years the Left's LGBT agenda has demanded 100% conformity - or else.

But all it takes is the courage of one in the face of opposition for others to follow.

Just look at recent events in the world of sports where a backlash against the Left's ideology is growing and noncompliance is the theme. Here are a few stories from 2023 spotlighting athletes who are taking a stand:

• Decorated female swimmer Riley Gaines is courageously standing for truth and women's sports in the face of verbal and physical intimidation. On April 6, Riley was scheduled to speak at San Francisco State University to a campus chapter of Turning Point USA when an angry mob descended upon the room. As police attempted to remove Riley from the dangerous situation, she was surrounded, struck by a man wearing a dress, and had to be barricaded inside a classroom for almost 3 hours until the police dispersed the crowd by threatening to arrest the violent protestors. Despite the harrowing incident, Riley is not backing down.

• Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov became an overnight hero when he decided to opt out of a Pride celebration and wearing a rainbow jersey. "I respect everybody, and I respect everybody's choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion," Provorov told reporters after the game. In total, six teams this season have followed Provorov's lead by ditching their Pride gear for players: the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

• A Christian high school girls' basketball team in Vermont forfeited a game in the fourth round of a state championship tournament when it was discovered that a biological male who identifies as a transgender female was on the opposing team's roster. "We withdrew from the tournament because we believe playing against an opponent with a biological male jeopardizes the fairness of the game and the safety of our players," said Vicky Fogg, who serves as Head of School at Mid Vermont Christian School in White River Junction. "Allowing biological males to participate in women's sports sets a bad precedent for the future of women's sports in general."

From high school to national leagues, athletes are taking a stand against the tidal wave of leftist political activism that has overtaken sports.

At Family Research Council, we know that the truth of God's Word cannot be altered. And because of supporters like you, FRC is able to proclaim biblical truth, defend the freedom of Americans to live out their faith in the public square, and stand with those like Riley and Ivan who won't cave to the Left's agenda.

Will you consider partnering with us today? Your gift will help FRC highlight the stories of courageous individuals and promote policies that protect every person's right to live out their religious beliefs.

Standing against the cancel culture requires a measure of grit and fortitude. If you embrace a biblical worldview, prepare to be mocked, ridiculed, or punished.

Just look at the case of former Georgia police officer, Jacob Kersey, who was threatened with dismissal from the Port Wentworth Police Department for referencing the biblical definition of marriage on his personal Facebook page. He felt he had no choice but to resign as he took a stand for truth.

Through Family Research Council's media outlets, Washington Watch and The Washington Stand, we spotlighted Jacob's story and invited believers like you to stand with him by signing a petition calling on the town officials "to apologize to Jacob and to cease fostering an environment of religious hostility for their city employees." On March 10, leaders from FRC met with Jacob and local pastors, and together delivered the petition containing nearly 35,000 signatures to City Hall.

You can count on FRC to bring you updates on this situation as we continue to report news and commentary from a biblical perspective and highlight stories of those courageously living out their biblical beliefs.

FRC stands with you - committed to biblical truth - so you don't have to stand alone.

The Left's hostility to the truth of God's Word can feel overwhelming, but throughout Scripture, God promises to sustain us if we stand firm.

In FRC's Stand on the Word Bible reading plan, over the last few months we read through the book of Jeremiah. God called the prophet to be His spokesman to the nation of Judah, which refused to listen to God's Word. The Lord sustained Jeremiah as he courageously stood in the face of hostility. "They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you" (Jeremiah 1:9).

God's assurance to the prophet Jeremiah is the same for us today: we are not alone. Over and over again, Scripture encourages believers to endure the battles - including the cancel crowd - as we stand on the Word of God.

FRC is on the frontlines of these battles, exposing the lies and agenda of the Left that seek to undermine faith, family, and freedom. We will continue using our media outlets like Washington Watch and The Washington Stand to spotlight those who come under fire for their faith.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year, we are thankful for partners like you who have supported and sustained our mission.

Let's continue to be bold witnesses of God's truth for future generations.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity.

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.